Why SC Verdict May Not Secure INDIA Bloc's Hold On Chandigarh Mayor's Post | Explained
Why SC Verdict May Not Secure INDIA Bloc’s Hold On Chandigarh Mayor’s Post | Explained
In a major ruling, the Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. The court declared Kuldeep Kumar, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, as the new Mayor of Chandigarh. This decision came after the Returning Officer invalidated eight votes cast in favor of Kumar, resulting in the BJP candidate’s win.
The mayoral elections in Chandigarh were marred by controversy due to allegations of ballot manipulation by the Returning Officer, Anil Masih. The AAP-Congress alliance contested the elections against the BJP, alleging foul play in the counting process. The AAP accused Masih of tampering with ballots to ensure the BJP’s victory.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, physically examined the invalidated ballots and concluded that they were valid and cast in favor of AAP’s mayoral candidate, Kuldeep Kumar. The court criticised Masih’s actions, stating that he made a deliberate effort to deface the ballots, leading to the unjust outcome of the elections.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Kumar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the AAP and Congress alliance, faces challenges in proving a majority in the Municipal Council. Let’s delve into the magic number required to win the majority.
What Do Numbers say?
Even after the Supreme Court’s declaration of Kuldeep Kumar as the winner of the Chandigarh mayoral polls, the INDIA bloc, comprising the AAP and Congress alliance, faces a daunting task in proving a majority in the council. Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision, three AAP councillors from Chandigarh defected to the BJP camp, altering the political landscape significantly.
When the poll results were initially announced on January 30, the BJP secured 14 votes independently. The BJP also has support from a Shiromani Akali Dal candidate and Kirron Kher, a BJP MP who serves as an ex-officio member.
The defection of three AAP councillors—Poonam Devi, Neha Musavat, and Gurcharan Kala—to the BJP bolstered the party’s position, giving it a total of 19 votes out of 36 in the council.
In contrast, the AAP-Congress alliance initially won 20 votes in the election, but eight votes were deemed invalid by the Returning Officer. Despite the Supreme Court’s validation of these eight votes, the INDIA bloc’s total count remains at 17, two votes short of the magic number 19.
Now, with the numerical disadvantage, this dynamic presents a major challenge for the AAP-Congress Mayor Kuldeep Kumar, especially in the event of a no-confidence motion against him in the council.